Key facts
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's remarks about Israel.
- Mamdani stated he could not support Israel because it "privileges" Jewish citizens over those of other religions.
- Netanyahu called Mamdani's comments "absurd."
- Netanyahu asserted that Israel provides equality and is the sole democracy in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for comments questioning Israel's identity as a Jewish state. Netanyahu described Mamdani's stance as "absurd," while defending Israel's commitment to equality and its position as the only democracy in the Middle East.
Mamdani had reportedly stated that he could not support Israel due to its perceived prioritization of Jewish citizens over those of other faiths. In response, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel offers equality to all its citizens and maintains its democratic status in the region.